Preseason Preview: Class 5A/Region 3

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The competition for playoff spots in this region will fun to watch but when it comes to winning the title, all signs point towards Walker Valley being the top choice. A few teams have a shot alongside them but the Mustangs look like the clear favorite. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A-Region 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Hamilton Hurricanes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Ooltewah, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Aaron Nance</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood']</strong>, (QB) <strong>Wyatt Miller</strong>, (K) <strong>Spencer Payne</strong>, (OL) <strong>Haydin Womack</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Nehemiah Diggs</strong>, ‘28 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633034' first='Anthony' last='Broome'] III</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Willie Garth III</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Jamal Blackmon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lenoir City Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Lenoir City, TN (Loudon Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Billy Coleman&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-5 Overall (3-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316708' first='Victor' last='Jones III']</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691476' first='Bubba' last='Willis']</strong>, (FB/LB) <strong>Josiah Rittenhouse</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Ben Sheppard</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Alex Duncan</strong>, ‘27 (TE/Edge) <strong>Cass Satterfield</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Elijah Duncan</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Maguire Hurst</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Kasen White</strong>, ‘27 (RB/DB) <strong>Caden Jay</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187257' first='Eli' last='Whaley']</strong>, ‘28 (RB/LB) <strong>Johnny Clagg</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>Jake Lathum</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McMinn Co. Cherokees</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Athens, TN (McMinn Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Bo Cagle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-6 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DL/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth']</strong>, (DE) <strong>Logan Martin</strong>, (RB) <strong>Jakaryn Dyer</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566136' first='Nathan' last='Kessler']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>Phillip Hamby</strong>, (QB) <strong>Luke Lawson</strong>, (S) <strong>Winston Coffey</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Xavier Cole</strong>, (DL) <strong>Anthony Orozco</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Drew Bottoms</strong>, (DT) <strong>Javonte Parker</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Jaxon Gonzalez</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Jesse Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1686821,"width":"290px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/100-Camden-Goforth-rotated-e1736531634213-crop-1706x1120-1749300744.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1686821" style="width:290px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ooltewah Owls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-9 Overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB/RB) <strong>Albert Horne</strong>, (WR/P) <strong>Luke Parr</strong>, (LB) <strong>Maddox Pierce</strong>, (OL) <strong>Gavin Hudgens</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Kaiden Douglas</strong>, (DT) <strong>Michael Bennett</strong>, (DE) <strong>Ellis Maulden</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Jacob Biggs</strong>, (LB) <strong>Jayden McQuillan</strong>, (LB) <strong>Jacob Matherson</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Oliver Lia</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608623' first='Griffin' last='Patterson']</strong>, ‘27 (C/DT) <strong>Jackson Owen</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Ky Powell</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Sam Martin</strong>, ‘27 (QB/S) <strong>Kyle Furiak</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1645027' first='Luke' last='Wood']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rhea Co. Golden Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Evensville, TN (Rhea Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Taylor Harvey</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-5 Overall (2-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(S/WR) <strong>Aiden Wilkerson</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Mason Ford</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402554' first='Kaiden' last='Rector']</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Jacob Kerley</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Caiden Groce</strong>, ‘27 (K/S) <strong>Austun Fugate</strong>, ‘27 (NG/OL) <strong>Colton Thurman</strong>, ‘27 (QB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1732910' first='Jaxton' last='Schmitt']</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Eli Kelly</strong>, ‘28 (WR) <strong>Quinton Davis</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>Gavin Miller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1791404,"width":"279px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/rheaco.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1791404" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Soddy Daisy Trojans</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Soddy Daisy, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Josh Owensby&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>9-2 Overall (5-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134345' first='Blaine' last='Yother']</strong>,<strong> </strong>(FB/LB) <strong>Sean Collison</strong>, (QB) <strong>Tucker Ross</strong>, (LB/TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666890' first='Anthony' last='Lott']</strong>, (QB/S) <strong>Luke Dodd</strong>, (S) <strong>Zane Hurt</strong>, (RB) <strong>Logan Alexander</strong>, (DE) <strong>Blaine France</strong>, (K) <strong>Callum Williams</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Jonathan Hancock</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Kobe Johnson</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Braden Shell</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>Brock Cobb</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>Carson Bailey</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker Valley Mustangs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Cleveland, TN (Bradley Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Drew Akins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-4 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players:&nbsp; </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo']</strong>, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Sawyer Boyd</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Aiden Burns</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834616' first='Tyler' last='Goldman']</strong>, (OL) <strong>Ashton Roshak</strong>, (S/WR) <strong>Michael Wood</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Reece Davis</strong>, (C/G) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590486' first='Andrew' last='Duggan']</strong>, (OL) <strong>Barrett Burks</strong>, (G/C) <strong>Caden Lassen</strong>, (WR) <strong>Joseph Arnett</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Luke Hayden</strong>, ‘27 (DE/Edge) <strong>Cooper Godsey</strong>, ‘27 (OG) <strong>Kole Branchfield</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>Layne Farris</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Colby Womac</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Lucas Gatlin</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595496' first='Cason' last='Cunningham']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Caleb Ayers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1355722,"width":"238px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/reulo.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1355722" style="width:238px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>Scouting this region, it appears to be Walker Valley at the top with a big gap between them and the rest of their competitors. The Mustangs have a solid roster returning, though they did lose some key players to transfer but overall, their team is equipped to chase down the region title and I don't know if anybody will contend with them for top honors. Walker Valley could have a potent passing attack with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] </strong>at quarterback and him throwing to senior wideouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo'] </strong>and <strong>Sawyer Boyd</strong>. The Mustangs defense should be strong as well, led by tackling machine <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834616' first='Tyler' last='Goldman']</strong>. The closest team right now that I see competing with Walker Valley for the top spot is McMinn County. The Cherokees are lacking overall talent and depth but do have a solid senior core back, led by West Virginia commit, offensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth']</strong>. Leaning on the run game and Goforth up front could be how the Cherokees find success this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Soddy Daisy is an interesting team to watch this Fall as I can see them placing in 2nd or 3rd this year but they did lose several key players from last year's nine win team, so there is also a lot of unknown about the Trojans going into the 2025 season. They should have the best defensive player in this region with defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134345' first='Blaine' last='Yother']</strong>, who has the chops to produce a double digit sack season. East Hamilton is a hard team to gauge for the upcoming season. It appears they will be leaning on a lot of youthful talent this Fall but still have a star in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] </strong>to build around. Knowing how the Hurricanes program works, I can still see them reaching postseason play but I also wouldn't be surprised to see them miss out on playoff action as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fighting with East Hamilton and others for that final playoff spot should be Rhea County. The Golden Eagles are needing to replace some key starters from last year but could have enough returning to fight for a postseason berth. Running the ball should be the focus for Rhea Co., especially with the return of <strong>Mason Ford </strong>but the Golden Eagles could become more balanced and explosive if junior quarterback <strong>Jacob Kerley </strong>emerges. The past couple of years have been good for Lenoir City but the 2025 season may be a dogfight for the Panthers. They are young in a lot of areas and need to find new starters at several positions throughout the team. They have a few solid seniors returning in lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691476' first='Bubba' last='Willis']</strong>, ball carrier <strong>Victor Jones </strong>and linebacker <strong>Josiah Rittenhouse </strong>but others must step forward for Lenoir City to become a playoff caliber team. I do foresee another bottom region finish for Ooltewah but I do think they will be better than year's past. More depth appears to be growing for the Owls but they are still lacking the overall talent to compete with the top half of this region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Preseason Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Order of Finish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Walker Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. McMinn Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Soddy Daisy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. East Hamilton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Rhea Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Lenoir City&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Ooltewah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Regional Top Honors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reg. MVP: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] </strong>- Walker Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo'] </strong>- Walker Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134345' first='Blaine' last='Yother'] </strong>- Soddy Daisy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POTY: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth'] </strong>- McMinn Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Drew Akins </strong>- Walker Valley&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] </strong>- Walker Valley, (RB) <strong>Aiden Burns </strong>- Walker Valley, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo'] </strong>- Walker Valley, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth'] </strong>- McMinn Co., (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134345' first='Blaine' last='Yother'] </strong>- Soddy Daisy, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] </strong>- East Hamilton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1791407,"width":"247px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/cstephens.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1791407" style="width:247px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->